U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that one way to end the war in Ukraine would be for OPEC to lower oil prices, which he claimed would “automatically” bring the conflict to a halt.
“We want OPEC to reduce oil prices. Doing so would immediately stop the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine,” Trump said during a stop at the Asheville airport in North Carolina.
When asked what would happen if the oil cartel ignored his call, Trump avoided providing a direct answer. Instead, he reiterated his belief that lowering oil prices is key to “quickly ending the war.”
“One way to end this war swiftly is for OPEC to stop making so much money and cut oil prices. Right now, they’re keeping prices high, and as long as they’re that elevated, the war won’t end easily. I hope they act on this—reducing oil prices would immediately end the conflict,” he added.
A Similar Appeal at Davos
Trump echoed this message during a virtual address at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He has long criticized his predecessor, blaming him for enabling the Russian invasion by allowing oil prices to remain high. Trump argued that elevated oil prices have given Russia the financial resources to fund its aggression.
The OPEC cartel, led by Saudi Arabia, reduced oil production shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, despite pressure from the Biden administration. This move contributed to higher prices globally. While the U.S. remained the world’s largest oil producer during Biden’s tenure, ahead of Saudi Arabia and Russia, Trump suggested that these policies had not adequately addressed the economic fallout of the conflict.
Talks with Mohammed bin Salman
On Thursday, Trump had his first phone call since leaving office with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman. According to a White House statement, the conversation did not confirm whether oil prices were discussed. However, the Saudi leader reportedly committed to investing $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years.
When asked about the call, Trump hinted that Saudi Arabia could be the destination for his first foreign trip during a potential second term.